HealthPartners

Today is Clinical Trials Day, a global opportunity to recognize the research professionals and research participants who make medical progress possible. More than 275 years ago, one small clinical trial helped change the course of medicine. That same commitment to asking questions, testing ideas and improving care continues today through the work of clinical research teams around the world. At our Institute, clinical trials help advance care, expand treatment options, and improve outcomes, all made possible by the people behind the science.

Work has changed. Our bodies and our workplaces have not always caught up. During the Healthiest State Conference last month hosted by Iowa Healthiest State Initiative, Nico Pronk, PhD, president and chief science officer at our HealthPartners Institute, delivered a keynote focused on one of today’s biggest workplace health challenges: how the design of work itself affects health and performance. The conference brought together employers, public health leaders and community partners working to advance well-being across Iowa, making it a timely setting for this conversation. During his keynote, Nico shared why movement at work should be treated as essential infrastructure, not a side program. He challenged long-standing assumptions about physical activity by showing how the design of work itself shapes cardiovascular health, brain health, fatigue, injury risk and performance. By connecting population health science with real‑world workplace examples, Nico made the case that organizations can intentionally build movement into how work gets done. More movement leads to improved work ability, reduced presenteeism and absenteeism and strengthened organizational performance. It’s the latest example of how we’re helping organizations rethink workforce health and the future of work.

We’re pleased to welcome Sarah Karlgaard to HealthPartners as senior vice president and chief legal officer. In her role, Sarah will lead our legal, clinical risk management, integrity and compliance, physical security and sustainability functions – partnering closely with leaders across our organization to support our mission and strategic priorities. “We’re excited to welcome Sarah to the HealthPartners team,” said Andrea Walsh, HealthPartners president and CEO. “She is a collaborative leader with strong expertise in navigating complex legal and regulatory environments. Her perspective and partnership will help us advance our mission while continuing to innovate and improve the care experience.”   Please join us in welcoming Sarah to the team! https://lnkd.in/e6KxSQM3 

Getting a vaccine approved is only part of the work. Researchers at HealthPartners Institute are continuing to study vaccine safety so we can better understand what patients and families experience in the real world. A new study published in JAMA Network Open used data from five research partners, including our Institute, to examine the safety of the RSVpreF maternal vaccine during its first U.S. vaccination season. After analyzing more than 13,600 pregnancies, researchers found no increased risk of preterm birth associated with RSVpreF vaccination. The study did identify higher risks of certain pregnancy‑related outcomes, such as pregnancy‑associated hypertensive disorders and premature rupture of membranes, highlighting the need for continued monitoring as use expands. Institute researchers who were not involved in the study also wrote an invited commentary on the publication, highlighting the Institute’s deep expertise in vaccine safety research. Read the full study in JAMA Network Open here: https://bit.ly/3PIKk78 Read the invited commentary in JAMA Network Open here: https://bit.ly/3R8SiqM

Sometimes the most important thing a leader can say is, “I don’t know.” Our President and CEO Andrea Walsh was featured in Becker's Healthcare discussing why humility, honesty and openness matter more than ever in health care leadership. Andrea shared that today’s health care require leaders to be transparent about uncertainty, listen to their teams and work together to solve problems. As we continues to work on making health care more simple and affordable, Andrea emphasized that good ideas can come from anywhere across the organization. “We have led with more transparency, sharing results and inviting colleagues to help solve problems,” Andrea said. The article also features Tina Freese Decker and Joanne M. Conroy, MD and explores how leaders can build trust by listening, adapting and staying open during times of change. Read the full story from Becker’s: https://lnkd.in/gCypesEq

Mental health is health. This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re wearing green to help end stigma and get more people talking about mental health.

Each year, HealthPartners Institute conducts hundreds of studies to discover new treatment methods and improve patient care. You can support ongoing research by volunteering for a study. Visit https://lnkd.in/g64FyKRX to browse current opportunities and complete the study interest form.

Responding to behavioral emergencies is a team effort, and no colleague should feel alone. Our Clinical Simulation program reinforces this critical message through workplace violence prevention training that prepares teams to respond confidently and safely to these emergencies. The training is developed in close partnership with our Security and Behavioral Emergency Response Team. Using realistic, team-based simulation, participants practice de-escalation techniques, emergency response tactics and communication under pressure. Through ongoing training and collaboration, we’re upholding our core commitment to workplace safety, ensuring every team member feels prepared, protected and never alone.

During the month of May HealthPartners is asking our colleagues why they wear green to support mental health awareness. “I wear green as a reminder that each of us has our own unique strengths and struggles, and the everyday conversations that make the most impact are the ones where we leave with a better understanding of another person’s experience of the world,” says Dr. Brian Palmer, medical director of behavioral health for our health plan. Dr. Palmer points out that each of us is a work in progress. All unique, doing our best at a moment in time, with opportunities to do even better.

Health care is complex. Making it simpler takes team members who are willing to improve the systems behind the scenes. For more than 30 years, Shawn Stone has helped make care and coverage easier to navigate for our patients, members and colleagues. “We’re looking at where the pain points are and asking what we can do to help,” Shawn says. “It’s about making it more intuitive and easier to navigate.” Recently, Shawn helped lead a major redesign that simplified a claims system, helping reduce complexity and create a smoother experience for both members and colleagues. But what makes Shawn stand out is not just her technical expertise. It’s the way she supports the people around her. She’s known for mentoring others, sharing knowledge and creating an environment where people feel comfortable asking questions and learning together. Shawn is a 2025 President’s Award honoree and a partner for good. She's helping move health care forward across our organization.